His form has fluctuated in that time but he has one goal to his name so far and created Pompey’s opener in the 2-2 draw at Mansfield on Saturday.

Ricky Holmes has yet to start a league game following his arrival from Barnet.

Whittingham has made it clear he is weighing up when to unleash the 25-year-old, with Holmes recovered from a foot injury in pre-season.

Wallace knows there are players in the squad who can have an impact and are pushing for more playing time.

And that means the all-action talent can expect a rest soon.

Wallace said: ‘All the players are on their toes now.

‘There is a lot of competition for places.

‘We know what the players are capable of here.

‘With Marcos Painter coming in, there’s not one position where there isn’t two or three people who can play there.

‘Going forward the options we have here are frightening really.

‘Compared to last year we have more assets.

‘It’s going to be a squad mentality to win this league.

‘There will be times when I come out or others come out and someone else comes in and does well.

‘That’s what we have this year that we didn’t have last year.

‘We’ve got people who can come in and really affect the game. That will be interesting.’

Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Mansfield saw Pompey come from behind against the Stags before being pegged back.

They have let leads slip in three of their four league games to date.

Wallace believes his side have already shown the attacking quality they possess in League Two. But he is aware forward-thinking quality has to be married with defensively solidity after seeing some poor goals given away.

Wallace said: ‘There are people in the dressing room who have been there and done it.

‘With the six we have got going forward, including Barch and myself, I think we’ve got League One attackers let alone League Two.

‘There are players coming off the bench who are good going forward.

‘Ricky (Holmes) and Tom (Craddock) came on against Morecambe and Birdy (Ryan Bird) can put himself about.

‘I think we’ll score goals in this league – but we need to defend as well.’